2025 Norman Lear Awards

Seven series recognized for powerful storytelling on topics like cancer, racism and climate will be honored on October 27 by Hollywood, Health & Society, the program at USC Annenberg’s Norman Lear Center. Marking its 25th year, HH&S is renaming its Sentinel Awards now to the “Norman Lear Awards: For TV that Makes a Difference.” in honor of the trailblazing TV writer and producer behind All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Maude and One Day at a Time.

Lear, who died in 2023 at the age of 101, proved that TV shows can tackle consequential issues while also being massively popular entertainment. 

“Norman would be thrilled that this award carries his name,” said producer Lyn Lear, his wife of 37 years. “He loved what HH&S does, as do I, and he loved celebrating the creative community’s passion for making a difference.”  

“Writers and actors love being on a hit show,” added Lear Center founding director Marty Kaplan, who holds Annenberg’s Norman Lear chair in entertainment, media and society. “These awards remind us they also love being on a show that matters.”

In a challenging year for Angelenos and Americans reeling from horrific firestorms and heartbreaking losses, HH&S spotlights narratives that offer audiences messages of hope and resilience.